Illinois Towns Establish Prescription Drug Disposal Program

Bloomington and Normal, Illinois, are establishing a prescription drug disposal program as a way to combat prescription drug abuse. In a recent federal survey, over half of individuals ages 12 and older who used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons reported obtaining the drug from a friend or relative for free. Among teens, especially, prescription drugs have gained disturbing popularity.

Heartland Coalition Director Kellie Rubbel-Henrichs commented, "They'll pretty much take anything from a medicine cabinet without knowing side effects or what they'll do." The Heartland Coalition is partnering with local police departments to install security drop boxes, which provide a safer alternative to keeping medications around the house, throwing them away, or flushing them down the toilet. (Source: centralillinoisproud.com)

Labels: prescription-drug-abuse

Posted By: Aspen Education Group